The Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery began operating in 1968 when Mossyrock Dam was completed. At the time, it was the largest salmon hatchery in the world.

The salmon hatchery produces nearly 13 million fish each year, including about 1.3 million spring Chinook, 5.0 million fall Chinook and 2.4 million coho salmon.

Tacoma Power built and maintains the salmon hatchery and provides funds to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for staffing and operation. Tacoma Power employees use Tacoma Power’s fish trucks to transport fish upstream and allow them to spawn in the upper Cowlitz Basin.

The Barrier Dam sits next to the salmon hatchery. This low dam diverts all upriver migrating adult fish to a fish ladder. The fish ladder leads to a separating station where fish are sorted by species. Some of the fish are retained at the hatchery to produce the next generation of salmon. Tacoma Power transports others to spawning areas in the Tilton, Cispus, and upper Cowlitz Rivers.

The Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery, in conjunction with the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery, supply fish for the restoration effort in the upper river while continuing to support existing fishery programs downstream.

As juveniles begin their downstream journey from the upper watershed, they are collected at Lewis County Public Utility District's Cowlitz Falls Dam, the uppermost dam on the Cowlitz River. Tacoma Power transports the fish to the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery where they are placed in large stress relief ponds. After acclimating, the fish are released into the river to continue their trip to the ocean.

Rebuilding the hatchery
Tacoma Power is rebuilding the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery. The facility will incorporate state-of-the art technology to improve the fish handling and rearing. During the construction period most of the hatchery public viewing areas are closed to insure your safety.

Visiting the hatchery
Tacoma Power is rebuilding the salmon hatchery visitor center and tour areas. The earliest these facilities will open to the public is 2010.

The Barrier Dam boat launch is located near the hatchery. You’ll find a large parking lot, vault toilets and a boat launch provided free of charge by Tacoma Power. A new ADA-accessible fishing ramp allows wheelchair-bound anglers to fish at various river elevations.

How to get there
To get to the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery and Barrier Dam boat launch from Interstate 5, take Highway 12 East about 12 miles. Turn right on Fuller Road. Continue until the "T" intersection and turn left on Spencer Road. Stay right at the "Y." Turn left into the salmon hatchery parking lot, or drive straight to get to the Barrier Dam boat launch and fishing area.